It was a marvelous journey in May 2016. I had the privilege of traveling with Medical Mercy Canada in 2014 for the first time. The excitement was hard to describe as there were a lot of unknowns; learning a whole new culture, one that I was born into but knew nothing about.The team was a very positive blessing for me and helped make my first encounter rewarding and deeply memorable. I was richly encouraged to learn the culture, language and a new way of life that, in the beginning, was to say the least “daunting”.The team was there every step of the way and encouraged me to keep discovering and let the Ukraine immerse me into its rich heritage and transform me from the inside out.I went to Ukraine and was introduced as a teacher from Canada. I was representing many young students from here in Canada.One of the first immersions to help me was that Ukrainians had a difficult time pronouncing my name. With Myron’s wisdom and encouragement he asked me to consider a small name change to help the continuity of the people and as my first name was John, I now became Ivan, which changed instantly the depth of understanding between Ukraine’s people and one of their new sons. There was an instant change as now we could communicate in a more personal way and friendships flowed as they could call me by name. So IVAN CREVAY has emerged and became one with this wonderful country.There was so much that happened in 2014. It seems as though I lived a complete life in 30 days.Unfortunately I was unable to return with the team in 2015. It was difficult as my heart was torn but Dr. Nischuk was able to complete a project which I had been working on with our Canadian students all year, on my behalf. Dr. Nischuk carried my love and greetings to all the people of Ukraine, especially the students.To my overwhelming excitement, Ukrainian students sent a gift of gratitude from their county as an appreciation from our first trip of 2014.In 2015 the Canadian students, Board of Education, Government officials and community members, sent signed flags and letters from students, as well as soccer uniforms and many pictures. The gifts that returned from the Ukrainian students included signed flags, letters and pictures, but most importantly a beautiful pictorial which we had the privilege of presenting to then Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Stephen Harper in July 2015.

This was a great stepping stone on behalf of all the students of both countries. This enabled us to expand the dream and with growing enthusiasm the dream has reached out to many hundreds of students in both countries.Our journey in 2016 took on a new life representing the future for the students of our world. 2016 changed our direction in many ways. Medical Mercy Canada (MMC) has a powerful dream – to improve the health of Ukraine and now to help the students look at this and expand on this vision. The students of both countries have various needs; together they can make their world a little more connected, forming new friendships and helping each other.This year was a blessing in many ways. The most profound was that we were able to bring a student with us from Canada. His name is Chase Bailey and he became involved over the year of 2015.We also brought a project with us from our high school here in Lacombe. Our school donated five robotic kits for the students in Ukraine. This was a new technology for the Ukrainian students but one which was richly embraced and became the catalyst for a new and deeper understanding for both countries.Our community reached out as well and we were able to help with some educational needs that we had discovered on our 2014 journey. Our team was able to purchase blackboards, a smart board, computers and some sports equipment. Now with the help of our Canadian students and communities we can reach even farther to help the many needs of the Ukraine. Along with MMC we have been able to connect our two countries in a way that gives our students the ability to reach out and grow into more compassionate adults.This year Ukraine reached out again with many signed flags, letters and beautiful pictures and gifts to share with our country. The most impressive gift was a hand-painted flag and another pictorial, representing the bond of strength between our two countries. We hope to present these unique gifts to our current Prime Minister, the Honorable Justin Trudeau.This will undoubtedly be a commitment of friendship between our two countries and their students and help to make our world a more accepting and loving place to raise our children.

I truly want to thank MMC, the Ukraine and the students of both countries for the compassion and trust you have enabled us to become on your behalf.On behalf of MMC, Dr. Leighton Nischuk, Dr. Myron Semkuley, Elaine Semkuley, David Kahut, Chase Bailey, Warren Kreway (Ivan) and our Ukraine families,We Truly Thank You.

About UsMedical Mercy Canada Society is a non-religious, non-partisan registered Canadian volunteer organization which provides support to impoverished persons and refugees along the Burmese borders, Nepal and Ukraine.

Our Mission: Improving the quality of life in impoverished areas through humanitarian projects with local participation.

Our Vision: Healthy communities created by caring for and sharing with those in need.